What Colours Do Dogs See? Choosing the Best Colours for Their Toys
Have you ever wondered what colours your dog sees and how it influences their perception of the world? The image above gives you a sneak peak into what the world looks like through your dog's eyes.
Understanding the colours that dogs can see can help you choose the best toys and accessories to keep your furry friend happy and engaged. Let's dive into the science behind canine vision and discover which colours stand out to them the most.
Canine Colour Perception
Unlike humans, who have three types of colour receptors (cones) in their eyes, dogs only have two. This means that while humans can see a full spectrum of colours, dogs' vision is more limited. Dogs primarily see in shades of blue and yellow and are not able to distinguish between red and green. To them, red and green appear as shades of grey or brown.
This type of vision is called dichromatic vision, similar to red-green colour blindness in humans. So, while your bright red ball might stand out to you, it may blend into the surroundings for your dog.
The Best Colours for Dog Toys
Given their unique colour vision, choosing toys in colours that stand out to your dog can enhance their playtime experience. Here are some tips on selecting the best colours for your dog's toys:
Blue: Blue toys are easy for dogs to see because blue is one of the colours they can distinguish well. A bright blue toy will stand out against most backgrounds, making it an excellent choice for playtime in various environments.
Some of our BLUE favourites:
- Chuckit! Ultra Squeaker Ball
- West Paw - Jive
- Chuckit! Whistler Ball
- Mighty Microfiber Balls - Monster
- Ruffwear Gnawt-a-Cone
- Ruffwear Huck-a-Cone
- Ruffwear Gnawt-a-Rock
- Mighty Microfiber Balls Bear
- Nylabone Moderate Dental Chew
- Petmate Booda Wing-A-Ball Toy
West Paw also has many toys available in a beautiful blue colour.
Yellow: Yellow is another colour that dogs can see clearly. Toys in shades of yellow are highly visible to dogs and can be easily spotted in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Some of our YELLOW favourites:
- Mighty Microfiber Balls - Duck
- Tuffy Funny Food - Banana
- Ruffwear Gnawt-a-Cone
- Fat Cat Classic Floppability Dog Toy
- Ruffwear Huck-a-Cone
- Ruffwear Gnawt-a-Rock
- Tuffy Alien Ball Sun
- Mighty No Stuff! Ball
Avoid Red and Green: Since dogs have difficulty distinguishing between red and green, toys in these colours may not be as noticeable. These colours can appear as dull or greyish to your dog, blending into the environment and making them less appealing.
Contrast is Key: When choosing toys, consider the contrast between the toy and the play environment. For example, a yellow toy on green grass or a blue toy on a sandy beach will be easier for your dog to see than a red or green toy in the same settings.
Enhancing Playtime with the Right Colours
Using toys in colours that your dog can see well can make playtime more engaging and fun. Here are some benefits of choosing the right colours for your dog’s toys:
- Improved Fetch Games: Toys that are easily visible to your dog will enhance their ability to track and retrieve them during fetch games.
- Increased Interest: Dogs are more likely to be interested in and play with toys that they can see clearly, which can help keep them active and mentally stimulated.
- Better Training: Using toys that stand out to your dog can make training sessions more effective, as they can easily identify and focus on the toy.
Understanding your dog's vision and choosing toys in colours they can see best is a simple yet effective way to enrich their playtime experience. Next time you're shopping for dog toys, remember to pick those bright blue and yellow options to ensure your furry friend has the most fun!
